The Hazendal community gathered outside the home of Spasie Jacobs in Hummingbird Street on Saturday September 15, to celebrate her 100th birthday.
It was a festive affair, with cake and tea and live entertainment. Children from Bokmakierie Primary School also came with birthday greetings and gifts.
Ward 49 councillor, Rashid Adams, was also among those who came to wish “Ma Spasie”, as she is affectionately known.
Ma Spasie was born in Upington and grew up in Rawsonville, where she lived most of her life.
At the age of 94, she had a stroke, and moved to Cape Town to live with her daughter, Martha Esau. Ms Esau and her brother, Freek Esau, are the only remaining siblings of seven.
Although Ma Spasie is wheelchair-bound, she generally enjoys good health, according to Ms Esau, who cares for her.
“It is a privilege for us to still have her in our lives, and it is a great honour for me to care for my mom. I asked God to spare her. There were times when I got concerned, because she sometimes has a seizure,” Ms Esau said.
Ma Spasie said she believed God blessed her to see her 100th birthday because she honoured her parents. Her mother lived until the age of 103.
“I am very grateful to God for giving me this long life. I asked him to bless me with 100 years,” Ma Spasie said.
Community leader, Walter Daniels, said they don’t know how many sacrifices and battles Ma Spasie faced over the 100 years, but “she’s a reminder of a strong and courageous woman and is an inspiration to this generation”.
Ms Esau said Hazendal is a small, tight-knit community.
“We get along very well in our little community. Everybody is happy that we are celebrating my mother’s centenary.
“She also happens to be the eldest resident, and that is why it was decided to celebrate her birthday together as a community,” Ms Esau said.
Ma Spasie has 18 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.